Andrea Janzen

Building TOEIC Skills

Building TOEIC® Skills

Andrea Janzen

© 2017 Seed Learning, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored ina retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic,mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without priorpermission in writing from the publisher.

Acquisitions Editor: Anne TaylorContent Editor: Liana RobinsonCopy Editor: Michael SouzaCover/Design: SL Design

http://www.seed-learning.com

The authors would like to acknowledge the following writers forcontributing materials to this book: Jacob Murray and Anne Taylor

ISBN: 978-1-944879-76-1

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 120 19 18 17

Photo Credits

All photos © Shutterstock. Inc.

Printed in Korea

Contents

Preface ························································································· 4

Introduction ················································································· 5

UnIt 1 At the Office ····························································· 13

UnIt 2 Travel ·········································································· 27

UnIt 3 Shopping ·································································· 41

UnIt 4 Banking ····································································· 55

UnIt 5 College Life ······························································· 69

UnIt 6 Around the House ················································· 83

UnIt 7 Transportation ························································ 97

UnIt 8 In a Factory ···························································· 111

UnIt 9 Health Care ···························································· 125

UnIt 10 The World of Work ·············································· 139

UnIt 11 Housing ·································································· 153

UnIt 12 Entertainment ······················································ 167

UnIt 13 Buildings ································································ 181

UnIt 14 Eating Out ······························································ 195

Practice test ············································································· 209

transcripts ················································································· 255

Practice test Answer Sheet ················································ 275

Answer Key

4

Preface

Building TOEIC® Skills is intended for students who wish to improve their listening and reading skills in preparation for the TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test. The book is ideal for first-time takers of the TOEIC® or students who wish to improve their test-taking skills and achieve a higher test score. The materials and practice questions in Building TOEIC® Skills reflect recent changes to the TOEIC® including conversations with more than two speakers in Part 3, listening questions with graphics in Parts 3 and 4, identifying correct sentences in Part 6, and selecting the correct placement of a sentence in Part 7.

Units 1-14Each of the fourteen units in the book contains the following sections:

* Vocabulary – theme-based vocabulary items including words and phrases frequently encountered on the TOEIC®, chosen to meet the needs of students aiming for a score of 450;

* Grammar Focus – level-appropriate grammatical structures commonly used on the TOEIC®;

* Listening Strategy – tips and strategies for approaching listening questions on the four listening sections of the TOEIC® listening test with related practice activities;

* Reading Strategy – tips and strategies for what to look for in the three reading sections of the TOEIC® Reading Test with related practice activities;

* Mini-Test – TOEIC® style practice questions for each of the seven sections of the TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test, enabling students to apply the knowledge they have gained in the unit and to familiarize themselves with the typical content of the TOEIC®.

Practice TestAt the end of the book, students can test their progress with a full-length practice test covering all seven parts of the TOEIC®. The test contains 100 listening test questions and 100 reading test questions. It is recommended that students attempt the test once before studying the units, and then retake it after completing all fourteen units. This will enable students to identify their weaker areas of study before using the book, and then to measure improvement afterward. An answer key is included. To get the greatest benefit from the practice test, it is recommended that students take the test under exam conditions which include the time limits set for the actual TOEIC®: 45 minutes for the Listening Test and 75 minutes for the Reading Test. The practice test should be taken in a quiet location where interruptions can be kept to a minimum.

SupportTranscripts for all the listening activities in each unit can be found at the back of the book, together with the practice test and answer keys. A detailed answer key explaining answers for the Mini-Tests and Practice Test is available for download.

13

UNIT 1

a. binder

b. keyboard

c. clipboard

d. stamp

e. paper clips

f. projector

g. file cabinet

h. ink cartridges

i. cubicle

j. monitor

k. conference room

l. printer

m. paper shredder

n. document

o. calendar

p. calculator

1.

5.

9.

13.

2.

6.

10.

14.

3.

7.

11.

15.

4.

8.

12.

16.

Vocabulary: At the Office

Picture Dictionary Track 2

Write the words under the correct picture.

Vocabulary:At the Office

Grammar Focus:Subject-Verb Agreement

Listening Strategy:Homophones

Reading Strategy:Main Idea I

Mini-Test 1

UNIT 1

14

chart n. a kind of drawing that shows data Simple charts are most effective.

colleague n. someone who works in the same organization or department as you; a coworker All my colleagues are very helpful.

deal n. an arrangement in business We made a $10 million deal with a French company.

deliver v. to take mail or other items to someone’s home or workplaceThe Post Office delivers mail at around 10 a.m.

earn v. to make (money)Yuna earns more money than Tony does.

fix v. to repair; to mend Someone needs to fix the broken scanner today.

manage v. to control or be in charge of somethingRyan manages a small supermarket.

memory stick n. a small device for storing informationDelete the documents from this memory stick.

operate v. to work; to use or control The city operates a bus and rail system.

pick up v. phr. to getI’ll pick up some coffee on my way to the meeting.

scanner n. a device for copying documents or photos Use the scanner to make a copy of this photo.

serve v. to provide someone with something; to work for someoneA very nice waiter served us at the café.

spreadsheet n. a computer program used for planning; a printout of data from such a programPlease make a spreadsheet for the new manager.

supervise v. to watch people or an activity to make sure everything is going wellI supervise three people at my company.

whiteboard n. a white plastic-coated board that can be written on using special pensI wrote notes on the whiteboard.

Words in Context Track 3

Read the definition and sample sentence for each word. then think of your own sentence.

15

Practice

A Match the words to the picture. Some of the words will not be used.

scanner spreadsheet keyboard monitor

memory stick paper clips chart

B Write the correct word in the blank. Use the correct form of the word.

cubicle operate deliver document calendar

1. Please this package to 4593 Main Street.

2. I can keep these binders in my for you.

3. Who knows how to this projector?

4. Janet will write the meeting dates on the .

5. Put the on this clipboard. It will be easier to sign.

5.

3.

2.

4.

1.

UNIT 1

1616

UNIT 1

Vocabulary:At the Office

Grammar Focus:Subject-Verb Agreement

Listening Strategy:Homophones

Reading Strategy:Main Idea I

Mini-Test 1

Grammar Focus: Subject-Verb Agreement

1. Subject + VerbThe subject of a sentence tells who or what the sentence is about. It can also tell who or what does the action of the sentence.The subject and verb must agree. A singular subject is followed by a singular form of a verb. A plural subject is followed by a plural form of a verb.

Ex The meeting is at five o’clock. • singular subject: meeting My colleagues are upstairs. • plural subject: colleagues

2. Subjects that Are NOT Next to the VerbSometimes the subject is not next to the verb in the sentence. Check the subject when a collective noun is used. Even if the phrase contains a plural noun, the subject may be singular.

Ex A pile of papers is on the desk. • singular subject: pile Three pieces of information are in this chart. • plural subject: pieces

3. Everybody and NobodyEverybody and nobody are singular subjects.

Ex Everybody knows Mr. Park. Nobody has paid for the tickets.

4. Anyone, Everyone, Someone, and No oneThese four pronouns are singular subjects.

Ex No one likes the new scanner. Everyone thinks that is a bad idea.

5. Either … Or and Neither … NorIn sentences with either…or and neither…nor, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun nearest to it.

Ex Either John or Marco has the spreadsheets. • Marco = singular noun, so the verb is singular.

Neither Jim nor the accountants are here. • Accountants = plural, so the verb is plural.

6. AndGenerally, in sentences with two or more subjects joined by and, the verb is plural.

Ex The projector and the keyboard are broken.

17

Practice

A Circle the correct verb form.

1. Neither the manager nor his secretary (is / are) free now.

2. A box of paper clips (is / are) on the table.

3. Everyone (has / have) gone to the conference room.

4. The chart and spreadsheet (is / are) easy to understand.

5. The clients (has / have) arrived.

6. Someone (has / have) taken my memory stick.

7. I think either Mike or Kelly (is / are) picking up the snacks for the meeting.

8. Kenji and Minsoo (supervise /supervises) two stores.

9. A set of ink cartridges (is / are) in the file cabinet.

10. (Do / Does) no one (know / knows) how to solve this issue?

B Write the correct form of the verb in the blank.

1. anyone know the answer? (do)

2. The engineer and the architect more than I do. (earn)

3. A number of us to introduce a policy. (want)

4. Some of the staff often late. (be)

5. The new accountant from home. (work)

Tip Box

Treat company names as singular even if the name is plural.

Ex Fresh Foods is a company that sells healthy meals.

Hints

• neither… nor

• subject not next to verb

• everyone

• and

• the clients

UNIT 1

1818

Listening Strategy: Homophones

Some words in English sound the same, but are spelled differently and have different meanings. These words are homophones. There are some things to listen for to help you decide which word you are hearing:

Context Clues • What is the situation in which the word is being used? • What is the role of the speaker? • What is the main topic of the conversation or talk? • What is the purpose of the conversation or talk?

Part of Speech • Is the word a noun, verb, or adjective?

the following are some common examples:

herehear

Please put the books here. (location)I can’t hear you. Please repeat that. (sound)

onewon

I have one pen. (number)I have won a pen. (action)

twotooto

There are two ways of doing this. (number)Mr. Lee can do this, too. (also)Joe sent the documents to us. (direction)

envelopeenvelop

Please put this paper in an envelope. (noun)Fire quickly envelops a wooden building. (verb)

wholehole

The whole department was closed. (quantity)There are some holes in our strategy. (weakness)

weekweak

The sale will be completed next week. (time)Sales are weak these days. (description)

whetherweather

I don’t know whether I can attend or not. (if)The weather should be fine tomorrow. (condition)

writeright

Please write your name on the line. (make words)Is this the right name? (correct)

UNIT 1

Vocabulary:At the Office

Grammar Focus:Subject-Verb Agreement

Listening Strategy:Homophones

Reading Strategy:Main Idea I

Mini-Test 1

19

Practice

A Listen. Circle the word that you hear. Track 4

1. Can you (sea / see) Helen from your desk?

2. Mr. Smith is (right / write) over there.

3. The new road will come (threw / through) here.

4. The (whether / weather) was disappointing.

5. This is a (seen / scene) I wanted to avoid.

6. Can you deliver the computer this (week / weak)?

7. The (hole / whole) cubicle was destroyed in the fire.

8. Please send two copies (to / too) me.

9. James is not (allowed / aloud) to attend the next meeting.

10. Please (weight / wait) for more information.

B Listen. Write the word that you hear in the blank. Track 5

1. The meeting is not this .

2. Do you know who the contest?

3. The designs took long to finish.

4. Evans and Co. is a new company.

5. We all that Brian was late.

6. Is this the address for you?

7. The logo will be on the .

8. Have you the new charts?

- Context- Part of speech

Think About

UNIT 1

2020

Reading Strategy: Main Idea I

The main idea of a text tells what the text is about. The other sentences are details. Sometimes, the main idea is expressed in one sentence. Other times, clues throughout the passage tell about the main idea.

The main idea is the purpose of the text. It is the most important point. To find the main idea, ask yourself a question: What is being said about the person, thing, or idea (the topic)?

Read the following example:

The ink in a printer is stored in a cartridge. Eventually, your printer will run out of ink. Replacing an empty ink cartridge is easy. First, note the brand and model number of your printer. Next, open the cover of your printer. You will see the ink cartridge. Write down the numbers that are on the cartridge. After you buy the new cartridge, pull out the old one. Remove the packaging from the new ink cartridge. Slide it into place. Then close the printer cover. You have replaced your ink cartridge! You are ready to print again.

• The topic is ink cartridges.• The main idea (what the writer is saying about the topic) is changing

an ink cartridge is easy. • The sentence that gives us the main idea is: Replacing an empty ink

cartridge is easy. • The other sentences give us information that shows the reader that

the main idea is correct.

UNIT 1

Vocabulary:At the Office

Grammar Focus:Subject-Verb Agreement

Listening Strategy:Homophones

Reading Strategy:Main Idea I

Mini-Test 1

21

Practice

Read the passages. then write the topic and the main idea.

1. Making a speech makes many people feel nervous. But all you need is good preparation.

If you are well prepared, your speech will sound good. First, choose a topic that is

interesting. Then, find information about the topic. Write out your whole speech. Next,

practice saying it without reading. Time yourself saying the speech. The speech must

not be too long or too short. After practicing a few times, you will know just what to say.

Topic:

Main idea:

2. To Whom It May Concern,

I often shop at your store. Last week, I bought a pack of printer paper. When I got

home, I opened the pack. There were about twenty bugs inside the pack. I would like

a refund for this item. It cost $5.75. I would also like an apology from your manager. I

can be reached at 923-845-004.

I feel ill just thinking about the bugs. I can’t use this paper. I hope you will review

your storage policies. Clearly, your store has a problem.

Topic:

Main idea:

3. A new restaurant opened downtown this week. Sadly, this restaurant, Joe’s Pasta,

needs work. Chef Joseph Ramirez is the owner. He is known for great food. But last

night’s service was slow. My food was cold when it arrived. My waiter was rude and did

not listen well. He brought the wrong drinks to our table. Twice! I hope the restaurant

will get better. The early days are always difficult for a new business. For now, expect

to wait a long time for your food!

Topic:

Main idea:

UNIT 1

22

Mini-Test 1

A Listening: Photographs

Listen and circle the letter of the statement that best describes the photograph. Track 6

1. (A) (B) (C) (D)

2. (A) (B) (C) (D)

3. (A) (B) (C) (D)

UNIT 1

Vocabulary:At the Office

Grammar Focus:Subject-Verb Agreement

Listening Strategy:Homophones

Reading Strategy:Main Idea I

Mini-Test 1

23

B Listening: Question-Response

Listen to the question or statement and three responses. Circle the letter of the best response. Track 7

1. (A) (B) (C)

2. (A) (B) (C)

3. (A) (B) (C)

4. (A) (B) (C)

5. (A) (B) (C)

6. (A) (B) (C)

C Listening: Short Conversations

Listen and choose the best answer. Track 8

1. Why is the woman unhappy?

(A) She hates her new job. (B) She has no colleagues. (C) She has no money for a snack. (D) Her colleagues eat her snacks.

2. Where does the woman keep her snacks?

(A) On her colleague’s desk (B) In a box (C) In her bag (D) On her desk

3. What does the man suggest?

(A) Put the snacks in a file cabinet. (B) Stop taking snacks to work. (C) Put the snacks in a drawer. (D) Give snacks to her colleagues.

UNIT 1

24

D Listening: Short Talks

Listen and choose the best answer to each question. Track 9

1. What is the speaker talking about?

(A) A meeting room (B) A special meeting (C) A new calendar (D) An important date

2. Who should attend meetings?

(A) Only managers (B) All staff members (C) The woman (D) Special guests

3. What will happen to those who miss a meeting?

(A) Nothing will happen. (B) They must write on the calendar. (C) They will attend another meeting. (D) They will lose some pay.

E Reading: Incomplete Sentences

Choose the word or phrase that best completes the sentence.

1. Jason the new staff members in this office.

(A) delivers (B) supervises (C) deliver (D) supervise

2. There a box of memory sticks on the table.

(A) is (B) have (C) are (D) has

3. No one the latest spreadsheets yet.

(A) has seen (B) has scene (C) have scene (D) have seen

4. Everyone at my office works in .

(A) file cabinets (B) paper shredders (C) cubicles (D) colleagues

25

5. Doctors a lot of money.

(A) fix (B) earn (C) supervise (D) deliver

6. My suddenly went black. Now I can’t see anything!

(A) keyboard (B) clipboard (C) paper clip (D) monitor

F Reading: Text Completion

Choose the best word, phrase, or sentence for each blank.

to: Team Leaders

From: Erin Jeong

Subject: Office Supplies

Brad Jones now all supplies. Please give your orders to him. .

So please give him your order forms by Thursday. Send him all orders by email. He will

call you when the supplies are delivered. your supplies from the storeroom.

Please let me if you have any questions.

1. (A) earns (B) serves (C) operates (D) manages

2. (A) He can place orders every day. (B) He will place orders every Friday. (C) He can’t order paper or ink. (D) He won’t order new desks.

3. (A) Pick up (B) Manage (C) Operate (D) Send off

4. (A) supervise (B) know (C) decide (D) tell

UNIT 1

26

G Reading: Reading Comprehension

the questions below refer to the following text message chain. Choose the best answers.

Tim Ford The meeting starts in five minutes. Where are you? 1:55

Jon Clark I’m in the elevator on the third floor. 1:56

Tim Ford So you’re almost here? Do you have the spreadsheets? 1:56

Jon Clark Well, I dropped coffee on my computer… I had to take it to IT. 1:57

Tim Ford And? Is it OK? Are you going to miss the meeting? I need those spreadsheets. 1:57

Jon Clark Don’t worry. I’m now getting out of the elevator. I have my computer and the spreadsheets are on it. 1:58

Tim Ford You always do this to me! OK, I’ll see you in the conference room. 1:58

Jon Clark I’m here! 1:59

1. What problem did Jon Clark have?

(A) He lost his computer. (B) He spilled a drink on his computer. (C) He forgot the spreadsheets. (D) He got stuck in the elevator.

2. What event will Jon and Tim attend?

(A) A conference (B) Computer training (C) A meeting (D) A spreadsheet lesson

3. What is implied about Jon Clark?

(A) He often goes to meetings. (B) He is a good speaker. (C) He often makes Tim feel stressed. (D) He is a kind person.